Bali is one of the top honeymoon destinations in the world with literally hundreds of hotels in dozens of regions to choose from–so which one do you choose? I’ve narrowed my choice by *trying* to stay at Starwood or Hyatt properties using points or cash & points. And, if it doesn’t make sense to use points, then I’d still prefer to stay at one of these properties so that I might have a better chance for an upgrade and, at the very least, earn more points while staying. At the end of the day, however, it might be cheaper and a better experience to stay at a local property.

Other choices to maximize Starwood Preferred Guest Points:

1. Use Suite Night Awards (SPG Platinum amenity)Pro: Might be able to get a suite for free, can use on any type of stay (award or cash), SPG Platinum members get 10 free SNAs a yearCon: Can only confirm within 5 days of arrival

2. Use the new Cash & Points optionsPro: Would guarantee me into a suite, I think?Con: Wouldn’t be able to use the 5th night free or the 35% off coupon.

3. Use points to upgrade to a suitePro: Hmmm….Con: Can only confirm within 5 days of arrival, basically the same as Suite Night Award, pretty expensive

4. 50% Off Regular Rack Rates couponPro: Very cheap to use–only 1k Starpoints!Con: 50% off of rack rate might be a worse price than the best rate offered

Other choices to maximize Hyatt points:

1. Use “Suite Upgrade Award” (4 free as a Hyatt Diamond Amenity)Pros: 1 “Suite Upgrade Award” will cover up to 7 nights, confirmed into a suiteCons: Must be a on a paid stay, “For purposes of this award, a suite provides for one-bedroom accommodations. Suite upgrade award is not valid toward Specialty, Premier, Presidential or Diplomatic Suites.”

2. Use points to book a Suite:Pros: Can be confirmed into a suiteCons: Costs 50% more points, probably only works for Standard Suites

Cat 3 Suite for 18k Hyatt points/night

3. Book with cash, upgrade with pointsPros: Can guarantee/confirm into a suite?Cons: Have to book a minimum of the deluxe room (more expensive), 6k points is only good for 4 nights
With this option I would book 4 nights into the “Club Deluxe King” at $332/night and then use 6k points to upgrade to a suite.

Points needed to upgrade to suite from cash rate with the following stipulation: “When redeeming Regency Club® or Grand Club® upgrades or suite upgrades at a resort property, you must pay a minimum of the Hyatt Daily Rate deluxe room (such as partial ocean view, ocean view, slope view, etc).”